Linear - Comparators

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
LMC7221AIM5X Texas Instruments	COMPARATOR	20875
TLV2393IP Texas Instruments	COMPARATOR, 2 FUNC, 9000UV OFFSE	9538
LM239AD Texas Instruments	IC QUAD DIFF COMPARATOR 14-SOIC	5957
TLV1701AIDRLT Texas Instruments	IC COMPARATOR SNGL 5SOT	1507
LM339DRG4 Texas Instruments	IC QUAD DIFF COMPARATOR 14-SOIC	347
LM2901AVQDR Texas Instruments	IC DIFF COMPARATOR QUAD 14-SOIC	965
TLV3201AQDCKRQ1 Texas Instruments	IC COMPARATOR PUSH PULL SC70-5	634
LMH7322SQ/NOPB Texas Instruments	IC COMP DUAL 700PS RSPECL 24WQFN	1643
LM2903PSR Texas Instruments	IC COMPARATOR DUAL DIFF 8SO	5318
TL3016IDR Texas Instruments	IC PREC COMP ULTRA-FAST 8-SOIC	1317
TL3116CPWR Texas Instruments	IC ULTRA-FAST COMPARATOR 8-TSSOP	772
TLV3404IN Texas Instruments	IC COMPARATOR QUAD OD OUT14-DIP	174
TLV7021DCKR Texas Instruments	VOLTAGE COMPARATOR	4401
TL3116CPW Texas Instruments	TL3116 HIGH SPEED DIFFERENTIAL C	27709
LP339DRG4 Texas Instruments	IC QUAD LP DIFF COMPARATR 14SOIC	2708
LM319M/NOPB Texas Instruments	IC COMPARATOR DUAL HI SPD 14SOIC	492
LMV331M5X/NOPB Texas Instruments	IC COMPARATOR TINY LV SOT23-5	27271
LMV331IDCKT Texas Instruments	IC GP LV COMPARATOR SC70-5	2368
LMV331IDBVRG4 Texas Instruments	IC GP LV COMPARATOR SOT-23-5	1021
LMV339ID Texas Instruments	IC QUAD LV COMPARATOR 14-SOIC	40

Linear - Comparators

1. Overview

Linear comparators are analog integrated circuits designed to compare two voltage signals and output a digital signal indicating which voltage is higher. They serve as fundamental components in electronic systems, enabling decision-making processes in applications ranging from voltage level detection to waveform shaping. Their importance spans industries such as industrial automation, consumer electronics, automotive systems, and medical devices, where precise signal comparison is critical.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Features	Application Examples
General-Purpose Comparators	Basic voltage comparison with moderate speed and accuracy	Simple threshold detection in appliances
Precision Comparators	Low offset voltage and high accuracy	Instrumentation and measurement equipment
High-Speed Comparators	Sub-nanosecond response times	RF signal processing and oscilloscopes
Low-Power Comparators	Ultra-low quiescent current	Battery-powered IoT devices
Window Comparators	Detect if input voltage falls within a defined range	Power supply monitoring systems

3. Structure and Composition

A linear comparator typically consists of:

Differential Amplifier Stage: Amplifies the voltage difference between inputs
Reference Voltage Circuit: Provides stable threshold voltages
Output Stage: Generates rail-to-rail digital output (e.g., CMOS, TTL-compatible)
Protection Circuits: ESD protection and overvoltage tolerance

Common package types include SOIC, SOT-23, and TSSOP. Advanced designs integrate hysteresis circuits or voltage references.

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Description	Importance
Input Offset Voltage	Maximum voltage difference required to switch output	Determines comparison accuracy
Propagation Delay	Time between input change and output response	Critical for high-speed applications
Supply Voltage Range	Operating voltage range (e.g., 2.7V-36V)	Dictates system power design
Power Consumption	Quiescent current under active/idle conditions	Battery life optimization
Hysteresis	Voltage margin to prevent oscillation near thresholds	Improves noise immunity

5. Application Areas

Industrial: PLC input modules, motor control systems
Consumer: Smartphone battery level indicators
Automotive: Battery management in EVs, sensor signal conditioning
Medical: ECG signal analysis equipment
Telecommunications: Optical receiver signal detection

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Representative Product	Key Features
TI (Texas Instruments)	LM393	Dual comparator, 2.0V-36V supply, 1.3 A quiescent current
STMicroelectronics	TLV3201	1.8V supply, 40ns propagation delay
Analog Devices	AD8561	Single-supply, 7ns response time
ON Semiconductor	NCS2250	Zero-drift architecture, 10 V offset

7. Selection Guidelines

Speed Requirements: Match propagation delay to system clock rates
Accuracy Needs: Select offset voltage <1mV for precision sensing
Power Constraints: Choose nano-power variants for portable devices
Environmental Factors: Consider temperature-rated parts (-40 C to +125 C)
Integration Level: Opt for devices with built-in references/hysteresis

8. Industry Trends

Miniaturization: WLCSP packages enabling wearable device integration
Energy Efficiency: Sub-1 A quiescent current devices for always-on systems
Higher Integration: Comparators with ADC interfaces and digital calibration
Broadband Operation: GHz-range comparators for 5G infrastructure
Smart Sensing: Embedded AI for adaptive threshold control